UN debates future withdrawal of Lebanon peacekeeping force
The United Nations Security Council began to debate Monday a resolution drafted by France to extend the U.N. peacekeeping force in south Lebanon for a year with the ultimate aim to withdraw it.
Israel and the United States have reportedly opposed the renewal of the force's mandate, and it was unclear if the draft text has backing from Washington, which wields a veto on the Council.
A U.S. State Department spokesman said "we don't comment on ongoing U.N. Security Council negotiations," as talks continued on the fate of the U.N. Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), deployed since 1978 to separate Lebanon and Israel.
The text, first reported by Reuters, would "extend the mandate of UNIFIL until August 31, 2026" but "indicates its intention to work on a withdrawal of UNIFIL."
That would be on the condition that Lebanon's government was the "sole provider of security in southern Lebanon... and that the parties agree on a comprehensive political arrangement."
Under a truce that ended a recent war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese army has been deploying in south Lebanon and dismantling the militant group's infrastructure there.
Lebanon has been grappling with the thorny issue of disarming Hezbollah, with the cabinet this month tasking the army with developing a plan to do so by the end of the year. The Iran-backed group has pushed back.
Under the truce, Israel was meant to completely withdraw from Lebanon, though it has kept forces in several areas it deems "strategic" and continues to administer strikes across Lebanon.
Israel's forces have also had tense encounters with the U.N. blue helmets.
The draft resolution under discussion also "calls for enhanced diplomatic efforts to resolve any dispute or reservation pertaining to the international border between Lebanon and Israel."
Council members were debating the draft resolution seen by AFP Monday ahead of a vote of the 15-member council on August 25 before the expiration of the force's mandate at the end of the month.
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Nahar Net
3 hours ago
- Nahar Net
UN debates future withdrawal of Lebanon peacekeeping force
by Naharnet Newsdesk 19 August 2025, 12:26 The United Nations Security Council began to debate Monday a resolution drafted by France to extend the U.N. peacekeeping force in south Lebanon for a year with the ultimate aim to withdraw it. Israel and the United States have reportedly opposed the renewal of the force's mandate, and it was unclear if the draft text has backing from Washington, which wields a veto on the Council. A U.S. State Department spokesman said "we don't comment on ongoing U.N. Security Council negotiations," as talks continued on the fate of the U.N. Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), deployed since 1978 to separate Lebanon and Israel. The text, first reported by Reuters, would "extend the mandate of UNIFIL until August 31, 2026" but "indicates its intention to work on a withdrawal of UNIFIL." That would be on the condition that Lebanon's government was the "sole provider of security in southern Lebanon... and that the parties agree on a comprehensive political arrangement." Under a truce that ended a recent war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese army has been deploying in south Lebanon and dismantling the militant group's infrastructure there. Lebanon has been grappling with the thorny issue of disarming Hezbollah, with the cabinet this month tasking the army with developing a plan to do so by the end of the year. The Iran-backed group has pushed back. Under the truce, Israel was meant to completely withdraw from Lebanon, though it has kept forces in several areas it deems "strategic" and continues to administer strikes across Lebanon. Israel's forces have also had tense encounters with the U.N. blue helmets. The draft resolution under discussion also "calls for enhanced diplomatic efforts to resolve any dispute or reservation pertaining to the international border between Lebanon and Israel." Council members were debating the draft resolution seen by AFP Monday ahead of a vote of the 15-member council on August 25 before the expiration of the force's mandate at the end of the month.
Al Mayadeen
12 hours ago
- Al Mayadeen
Larijani arrives in Beirut, meets Lebanese officials
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Larijani noted that his visit includes meetings with senior Lebanese leaders, including the president of the republic, the prime minister, and the speaker of parliament, to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments. هكذا عبّرت الحشود الشعبية المتجمّعة في محيط مطار بيروت الدولي لاستقبالِ أمين المجلس الأعلى للأمنِ القوميّ في إيران، علي لاريجاني👇#الميادين_لبنان#لبنان During his meeting with Dr. Ali Larijani, President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to fostering cooperation with Iran on the basis of sovereignty, friendship, and mutual respect. He noted, however, that some recent remarks by certain Iranian officials had not been constructive. Aoun stressed that the friendship Lebanon seeks with Iran should not pass through a single sect or political faction, but should embrace all Lebanese. He underscored that Lebanon is a final homeland for all its citizens, Christians and Muslims alike, and that it is the responsibility of the state, through its constitutional institutions and security forces, to safeguard all communities. He firmly rejected any interference in Lebanon's internal affairs from any side, calling for the Lebanese arena to remain safe and stable in the interest of all citizens without discrimination. Aoun warned that Lebanon has paid a high price whenever one group has sought foreign support against another. The lesson, he said, is that no party or faction, without exception, should bear arms or rely on outside powers. The state and its armed forces alone are responsible for the security of all Lebanese. Any threats, whether from 'Israel' or elsewhere, are challenges for the entire nation, not just for one group, and the strongest weapon in confronting them is unity. الرئيس عون خلال لقائه الدكتور لاريجاني: - لبنان راغب في التعاون مع ايران ضمن حدود السيادة والصداقة القائمين على الاحترام المتبادل.- اللغة التي سمعها لبنان في الفترة الأخيرة من بعض المسؤولين الإيرانيين، غير مساعدة.- الصداقة التي نريد ان تجمع بين لبنان وايران لا يجب ان تكون من… his part, Dr. Larijani conveyed the greetings of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, renewed his invitation for President Aoun to visit Tehran, and expressed Iran's willingness to help Lebanon in its reconstruction efforts. He affirmed Iran's desire to strengthen its relations with the Lebanese state and people in all fields, praising President Aoun's role in bolstering national unity and fostering cohesion among all Lebanese sects and communities. Larijani stressed that Iran does not interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs, adding that his remarks upon arrival in Beirut reflected the official position of the Islamic Republic. Speaking at a press conference in Ain al-Tineh after meeting Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Larijani expressed deep joy for visiting Lebanon, a country he described as enjoying 'excellent relations' with Iran at this stage. He praised the Lebanese people as 'a shining example' in their steadfast resistance to Israeli occupation, adding that Lebanon's unity and success are of great importance to Tehran. 'Our policy is built on the principle that countries in the region must be independent and strong,' Larijani said. 'Lebanon is capable of making sound decisions, and we wish it prosperity.' He noted that Iran's own strength stems from the cohesion of its people and the enduring power of the Iranian Revolution. Larijani stressed that Iran does not view its friends as instruments, but as partners in a shared strategic vision. 'The Resistance embodies deep conviction and strong strategic thinking,' he said, underscoring that no country outside Lebanon should dictate orders to it. 'The Lebanese people are proud and courageous, fully capable of making their own decisions. We will fully respect whatever choices they make, and believe that through consultation with the Resistance, Lebanon can reach the best outcomes.' Reiterating a consistent Iranian message, Larijani emphasized that the nations of the region must be 'strong and independent, not taking orders from across the oceans.' He urged the Lebanese to distinguish between friend and foe, describing the Resistance as 'an asset for the entire Islamic world.' Reflecting on Lebanon's modern history, Larijani pointed out that when 'Israel' invaded Lebanon, Hezbollah did not yet exist, but arose in response, confronting the occupation through resistance. He praised both Hezbollah and the Lebanese government for their deep understanding of the current situation, expressing optimism for Lebanon's future. 'The Resistance Front did not emerge on orders from foreign powers,' Larijani said. 'Its history shows it was created to confront foreign intervention, as in Lebanon and Iraq. Lebanon should value the role of the Resistance and of Hezbollah. Those who interfere in Lebanon's affairs are the ones who impose plans and deadlines. Foreign states should not issue orders to Lebanon, and Tehran does not interfere in its decision-making process.' Beirut is the second stop in Larijani's first regional tour since his appointment as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council on August 5, 2025. His tour began in Baghdad, where Iran and Iraq signed a joint security memorandum of understanding on border coordination, under the auspices of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Larijani stressed the need to strengthen political, economic, and social ties between Tehran and Baghdad, noting that the security agreement offers a framework for deeper cooperation. Larijani's visit comes amid heightened tensions in Lebanon over the government's recent US-backed decision to disarm Hezbollah by the end of 2025, a move rejected by Hezbollah and Amal ministers, who walked out of a cabinet session in protest. Iranian officials have strongly opposed the plan to disarm the Resistance. Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, described it as compliance 'to the will of the United States and Israel.' While Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran's rejection of the proposal and affirmed Lebanon's right to defend itself. In his visit to Baghdad, Larijani asserted that the Resistance Front, of which Hezbollah is an integral part, is "part of the heart of the region's peoples," explaining that "each of its components strives to achieve the aspirations of its own people." He added that the Resistance Front represents "part of the wealth of the peoples in the region, who are well aware of the current circumstances and fully understand their options," stressing that the front "must be preserved.
LBCI
13 hours ago
- LBCI
In Beirut, US envoys push for answers on arms control and UNIFIL mandate
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Mariella Succar Two American envoys visited Lebanon this week to discuss two pressing issues: U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack focused on strengthening state control over weapons, while Morgan Ortagus emphasized the renewal of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate. According to LBCI, the main purpose of the visit was to review the latest developments regarding the government's commitment to the American paper on arms control, which had been approved by the Lebanese government. The Lebanese side asked the U.S. delegation about the positions of other parties involved in the American proposal, namely Israel and Syria. According to LBCI, Barrack did not carry any Israeli response to the proposal, though reports suggest he may travel to Tel Aviv to obtain one. During meetings with Lebanese officials, Barrack heard from President Michel Aoun Lebanon's position on the importance of all parties adhering to the joint declaration, as well as support for the Lebanese Army and accelerated international steps to launch reconstruction efforts. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri emphasized that Israel's commitment to the ceasefire agreement and its withdrawal to internationally recognized borders is essential to achieving stability in Lebanon. Barrack's position was reported to be aligned with Lebanon regarding the expectation that Israel undertake similar measures. The issue of arms control was also discussed during a meeting with Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal, focusing on the army's plan to ensure weapons remain under state authority. Another key topic, the renewal of the UNIFIL mandate, was highlighted by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who stressed its importance in maintaining stability and supporting the army in extending state authority in southern Lebanon. According to LBCI, consultations at the United Nations are ongoing, with the United States reportedly favoring a gradual and responsible reduction in UNIFIL personnel. The two U.S. envoys are expected to return to Lebanon at the end of the month. It remains unclear whether they will bring an Israeli response and Syria's position on the American proposal, or whether the UNIFIL renewal process will be finalized by that time.
